Tri-Service
Hammond: Brexit Would Threaten Gibraltar's Security
A UK vote to leave the EU would be a threat to Gibraltar's future security and sovereignty, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said.
On his first official visit to the British Overseas Territory in the Mediterranean since taking up the post, he said that its prosperity was based on access to the Common Market.
Relations with Spain over Gibraltar have been strained at times in recent years, with disputes over territory and incisions by Spanish police boats into Gibraltan waters.
Mr Hammond, who supports Britain remaining in the EU, appeared alongside Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo, who is also backing the 'Remain' campaign.
The Foreign Secretary said the territory's economy "flourishes" through access to the EU markets and Spanish labour from across the border. He said:
"I genuinely believe that the threat of leaving the European Union is as big a threat to Gibraltar's future security and Gibraltar's future sovereignty as the more traditional threats that we routinely talk about."
"Gibraltar's future is clearly in the European Union's single market."
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